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Cultural diversity

An estimated 214 million people currently live outside their country of origin, many having moved for a variety of reasons in which the search for protection and the search for opportunity are inextricably entwined… While for some migration is a positive and empowering experience, far too many migrants have to endure human rights violations, discrimination, and exploitation… Yet, migrants contribute to economic growth and human development in both home and host countries and enrich societies through cultural diversity, fostering understanding and respect among peoples, cultures and societies.

BEST LINKS

Right Wrongs: On May 27, 1967, Australians voted in a referendum to change how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were referred to in the Constitution. Explore personal stories, opinions and historical recordings of what happened.

What You Say Matters: information, stories and quick facts. Heaps of information on taking a stand against racism, including how to become involved with the “Racism. It stops with me.” campaign.

Oxfam Australia: an informative section on Indigenous Australia includes information and statistics on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and details of the associated work and campaigns carried out by Oxfam.

Refugee Council of Australia: is the national umbrella body for refugees and the organisations and individuals who support them. The site has news and events along with fact sheets and other resources. There are good links to other informative sites.

The Newcomer blogaims to connect people through stories of positive change which have improved the lives of Australians and contributed to more healthy, happy and harmonious communities.

Bullying. No Way!: great information and support for students of all ages and includes interactive, entertaining activities.

Feature Shoot: photos of children from around the world with their most prized possessions.

Everyday Racism is an app, offering a journey to better understand racism by walking in the shoes of someone else for seven days; receiving texts, tweets, images and videos that will challenge you and your assumptions.

The Incident: a Crimewatch style video (12 minutes) which reveals consequences of racism and how low level bullying can escalate.

Asylum: simulation – what decisions would you make if you were a refugee?

Road to Refuge: an interactive, educational site that allows the user to be placed in the shoes of an asylum seeker on their journey from their country of origin to Australia.

OTHER LEARNING RESOURCES

A Fairer World has posters, classroom activities, books, DVDs and web links on global issues such as cultural diversity. Contact us for a complete list of resources available free or on loan to members.

Equal Opportunity Tasmania provides education and information sessions to schools, colleges and community groups which relate to equal opportunity and promoting non–discriminatory practices. Their website has fact sheets on a wide range of discrimination issues.

DID YOU KNOW?

Australian English borrows more than 400 words from Aboriginal languages. Most of the words borrowed from the Indigenous languages are nouns. Some of these words are koala, wombat, barramundi, kookaburra, boomerang, yakka and bung (an adjective for bad or diseased). source

In 2016, there were over 300 separately identified languages spoken in Australian homes. 21 per cent of Australians spoke a language other than English at home. After English, the next most common languages spoken at home were Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, and Vietnamese. Tasmania had the highest rate of people speaking only English at home (88 per cent). source

65.6 million people around the world have been forced from home (2016). Among them are nearly 22.5 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18. source

In 2016, more than half (55 per cent) of all refugees worldwide came from just three countries:

The majority of asylum seekers and refugees live close to their home country, with developing countries hosting the greatest number of asylum seekers and refugees. According to UNHCR the countries hosting the most refugees at mid 2016 were:

Turkey (2.8 million)

Pakistan (1.6 million)

Lebanon (1.04 million)

Iran (978,100)

Ethiopia (742,700)

Jordan (691,800)

Kenya (523,500)

Uganda (512,600)

Germany (478,600)

Chad (386,100)

Together these ten countries host nearly 60 per cent of all refugees. source